My Travel Journal

August 28, 2014  The Questioning of Lincoln   I got to attend the Press brieng of Lincoln, and I was fortunate enough to get to ask him some questions.  Me: We got to witness the suspension of Habeas Corpus, but some are asking, “What is Habeas Corpus?”  Lincoln: “Well, Habeas Corpus is a basic civil right that says you have to be charged and have a trial in order to be thrown in jail.”  Me: Thank you for clearing that up. Now the question that begs is, “Why did you suspend Habeas Corpus?”  Lincoln: “Habeas Corpus was suspended to keep the Union together.”  Me: That is understandable but,“Who is John Merryman and what was the problem with him? We have heard so much about him but I would like to ask you what your view on the matter is?”  Lincoln: “John Merryman was trying to get Maryland, a border state, to secede but I want to keep the Union together so I threw him in jail.”  Me: “Was this all necessary to keep the Union together?”  Lincoln: “I believe so, or I would not have gone to the extremes I did to keep the Union together.”  Me: “Thank you for taking your time to clear these things up. I now can agree with the measures you took, because I can see your passion for keeping the Union together. I hope other people read this and really think about it. It was a pleasure talking.”  Lincoln: “Anytime, I’m glad to clear up some of the confusion.”  ! ! ! ! ! ! !  2 John Merryman pictured right.